Ronaldo relishing new test

Brazilian striker Ronaldo is looking forward to getting back to work with new club Corinthians.

By Patricio Figueroa

Last Updated: 12/12/08 10:09am

Legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo is looking forward to getting back to work with new club Corinthians.

The former Fifa World Player of the Year has hailed the club as "a light at the end of the tunnel" after battling back from a knee injury which curtailed his AC Milan career.

The 32-year-old forward made the comments as he prepares to be unveiled by the Sao Paulo side on Friday after signing a one-year deal.

The injury-plagued former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker told TV Globo: "I know that it will be difficult for me to return to football because it has taken a long time getting recovered from an injury but this opportunity of playing for Corinthians has been, for me, a light at the end of the tunnel.

Big project

"I like to play football, I have passion for football and all my life centres around football.

"Corinthians has been a light at the end of the tunnel, they opened their doors to me. They presented a big project for me being able to return and I accepted.

"Now I am going to do all the medical exams and then after that we are going to plan the pre-season work.

"After that we will plan when I will make my debut that I suppose will be in a friendly match."

Flamengo supporter

Although he has been hired by Corinthians, Ronaldo said that he will always be a Flamengo supporter.

"I will always be a Flamengo supporter, but I am also a professional," he said.

"Flamengo didn't present any proposal for me. I am thankful to the (Flamengo) president Marcio Braga and the vice-president Kleber Leite but I am professional and I have my priorities."